Pocket WiFi

If you are looking for a pocket sized WiFi access point router for sharing the Internet below are several devices that I own or have considered buying in the past.

D-Link DWL-G730AP Wireless Pocket Router – This pocket wifi router is comes in a nice carrying case with accessories. The web based graphical user interface is easy to use and comes with a wizard to get all items configured. This device is only 2.4 GHz and has great range for it size. It has a small phone size power adapter that is light and easy to carry. This pocket WiFi router can also be powered from a USB port. I have owned one of these devices since 2005 and keep in my computer bag for sharing wired Internet with others or to make my wired hotel wired Internet wireless so that I can watch TV from my hotel bed while working my computer. The device can operate in three modes: router, access point (aka wireless bridge) and wireless client. I usually use it as a router but have confirmed the access point (bridge mode) and client mode work fine.

Cradlepoint PHS300 Personal Hotspot – The pocket sized WiFi router is designed to operate with a USB EVDO card. It can be powered from a power adapter or use the removable rechargeable battery. Having a removable rechargeable battery is great for times when power is not available. I have owned one these since 2008 and currently use with a Sierra Wireless AirCard USB 598 with data service from Sprint. I like having the flexibility to use my USB aircard plugged into my PC as well is with this device. The exact model I have is actually Sprint branded and limits the number of devices that can share the EVDO connection but the Cradlepoint branded device does not have these limits. This device support 4G wireless USB aircards if the firmware is upgraded.

TRENDnet 300Mbps Wireless-N Travel Router – This pocket WiFi router is almost identical to the D-Link in features and appearance but add 802.11n speeds and coverage. It supports Router, Access Point and AP Client modes like the D-Link and can be powered from an electrical outlet or USB port. If I were buying a device today I would gladly pay the extra $10 compared to the D-Link to get higher throughput and the additional security options. Per the vendor “Maximum wireless signal rates are referenced from IEEE 802.11 theoretical specifications. Actual data throughput and coverage will vary depending on interference, network traffic, building materials and other conditions.” Since this is a 2.4 GHz only device and antenna separation is minimal it is very unlikely that device will ever achieve 300Mbps data rates but it is nice to have MIMO support for areas with RF issues.

Virtual Access Point Software – If you are looking for a zero cost, zero weight pocket WiFi option then you may want to consider using virtual access point software to transform your PC into a WiFi access point router. Windows 7 has a great virtual WiFi feature making this a great alternative to buying a pocket WiFi device for sharing your Internet.

Related posts:

1. Rogue Access Point Detection Using iWIDS
2. Wireless Access Point Router Autopsy

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Filed under: Gadgets, WLAN Tools